Here are the main concepts from the meeting that every tile artist, tile maker and mosaic artist should understand...

laNeva tiles

1. Every tile has its own properties (terra cotta, porcelain, glass, etc). There are specific tile adhesives and grouts to use with each type of tile. You can also recommend them to your clients and to tile contractors for them to use.

3. Mold does not grow on concrete or plaster... it grows on sheetrock paper. X14 mildew stain remover is the best to get rid of mold.

4. Stay away from organic adhesives or what are commonly called mastics. These are typically premixed.

5. Grout: The grout to use is a polymer-modified grout, either sanded or unsanded. Most handmade tile needs sanded grout. The most versatile grout on the market currently is Power Grout.

6. We asked if there was something tile makers could do to help tile setters with their end of the tile installation. They answered, make tiles modular so they fit all together and the grout lines line up.

We would like to thank the tile setters of the Handmade Tile Association. They have committed to our group, and helped us complete the circle. They make sure the tiles we make are installed with professionalism and with the same care as we take in making the tiles.

The Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour is one of the best opportunities for tile makers to show their craft to the perfect audience: home owners who want quality features in their home.

Every year we can think of, Handmade Tile Association members have had work featured in at least one home... usually in many. This year is no exception. Christine Nelson Design has a home on the tour, and Clay Squared has two homes with tiles featured.

Historic Victorian Fireplace on the Minneapolis/St.Paul Home Tor

A historic tile fireplace was preserved in a home in St. Paul, and is the

highlight of the home.

Working with Margo Ashmore (the organizer of the home tour) we have traded advertising in the HTA directory for their publication. As part of the trade, we are able to have Handmade Tile Association directories available to be handed out at the homes where handmade tiles are featured. We are very pleased to have this relationship with Margo's organization. They do a stellar job showcasing amazing homes of people who care deeply about the original character of their homes.

Events like this are where the public and the design field develops their taste for unique homes.

Take a look at a well-done article by Jennifer Adams in Tile Magazine (a national tile magazine)... it featured five of the Handmade Tile Association members. Josh Blanc, President of the HTA, was interviewed about the trends of handmade tile and the effect the group is having on tile as a whole. "Americans who want one-of-a-kind or custom work have been able to find tile artists online," he said. "And, the access to beautiful design and quality work has propelled the popularity of commissions and direct sales."

Original Tile Mission, a new advertiser in the HTA directory, was also interviewed. Working in cement tiles, he states "Cement tile is an old 'new covering' material for the U.S. market. Not all architects and designers know about this great material, but when they have the experience to work with cement tiles, they fall in love with them thanks to the great flexibility to create any architectural design and style - from classic to contemporary - and it provides their personal signature."

When you go stop by and talk to Joe and Sheila from the Tile Heritage Foundation. They will be making a presentation"The American Tile Industry: From its 19th Century Roots to the Present and Beyond."Monday, April 29th.

Visit theTile Council of North America. Pick up a free hot dog for lunch and talk tile! Many Handmade Tile Association members have shown their work and have attended over the years to see how the world makes tiles. Here is what we recommend visiting.

Art Tile Village

The Art Tile Village is a popular destination at Coverings year after year. It is located in the Tile Council of North America Pavilion. This space is dedicated to artisans who keep old world traditions alive by crafting handmade art and specialty tiles. Stop by and discover one-of-a-kind decorative tiles and accents that will give any project that distinctive and unique touch. Additionally, while visiting the Art Tile Village, be sure to drop by the Art Tile Courtyard to enjoy beautifully decorated tiled benches provided by Tile Council members.

Handmade Tile Association Meeting

Find out what architects and designers are looking for when they are searching for tile.

Tuesday April 23rdTime: 6 pm to 8 pmSeries with the Pros Topic: Architecture

Three architects and designers will give us a presentation and discussion on the colaboration of architects and uses of Handmade Tile in Architecture projects.

If you are not in the Minnesota region, consider creating a meeting of tile and mosaic artists in your area. The HTA can promote your meeting through this newsletter and on the website, Facebook, and Linked in. It is a great way to learn and promote tile ideas.

We want to thank our membership team of Katie Thompson, and Bethany Whitehead, who is working on membership renewal packets.

We are about to start working on our new website. We will need some people to help us with updating the new site. If you are still interested in helping, we are interested in you! We are willing to pay $12 an hour for service, or trade for advertising.